Donor Advised & Special Project Funds:

Avila Beach Communities Emerging Needs and Opportunities Fund: This fund was established by Foundation Trustees and is intended to address smaller requests for financial support of special projects within our mission and purpose that fall outside of our annual grant-making calendar. Contributors to this fund include ABCF Trustees, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Chevron Corporation, and various individuals and businesses in our community. The placement of commercial-grade trash bins you see lining the beachside boardwalk is just one example of a project supported by this fund. Other funds have been allocated for public landscape areas and to support a variety of special events.

Joan Sargen Avila Beach Communities Enrichment Fund: This fund, launched by a donation from area resident Joan Sargen, will help support projects or programs that enrich the social, ecological or artistic fabric of the greater Avila Beach communities. Donors are invited to contribute to the growth of this fund at any time throughout the year. The informative signs you see along the Bob Jones Trail that describe local wildlife were made possible with help from this fund. Additional funds have been used to purchase materials for public landscape projects and to sponsor community outreach and educational events.

The “Old Grandpa” Restoration Fund: This fund was established years ago to support an ongoing project that realizes high visibility each Friday at the Avila Fish and Farmers’ Market, and at local community events. “Grandpa”, the 1942 Avila fire engine that was rediscovered at the old UNOCAL tank farm is being restored and preserved by the Cal Fire Avila Valley Station.

The Save our Schoolhouse Fund (SOS): This fund was established through initial contributions from longtime Avila residents Anne Brown, along with Lynn and Christopher Helenius. SOS is an effort by local citizens to establish and preserve a local museum and historical society at the original Avila School. A San Luis Obispo County mandated report determined that the Avila Schoolhouse qualifies to be on the state historic register. Funds for this project will be used for the museum interior and restoration of the exterior.

Richard and Kathleen Zacky Family Foundation Fund: The purpose of this fund is to support projects of interest to the Zackys that improve the Avila Beach experience, and that fall within the Avila Beach Foundation’s mission and by-laws. The first project subsidized by this fund was the purchase and installation of the free public viewing telescope at the foot of the Avila Pier. Next came the people and pet public drinking fountain installed near the ramp and restrooms at “Dog Beach.” Additional contributions to this fund are always welcome.

Avila Beach Trails Improvements Fund: This fund was established in December of 2016 through an initial donation from Avila Valley residents Steve and Cyndy Lakowske. The Lakowske family members are avid hikers and runners, and launched the “Trails” fund to support the development of new paths and/or the maintenance/improvement of current trails throughout the greater Avila Beach areas. Other members of the community are invited to contribute to this fund that benefits countless locals and visitors alike.

Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School Student Experience Fund: In an era that continues to see cutbacks in public school funding, some activities that were once a common element of the student experience have been dramatically reduced, or fallen by the wayside altogether. The objective of this new “Fund” is to help augment or bring back some of the extracurricular offerings that help shape a more, well-rounded child. The “Fund” may also provide school-based, education-related assistance for the children of economically disadvantaged families who reside within the boundaries of the Avila Beach Community Foundation’s geographic service area. The “Fund” is not intended to pay for areas of education already provided for by public support (i.e. taxes) earmarked for that purpose. We invite members of the community who recognize that a well-rounded education is the key to success to help us grow the “Fund” by offering monetary and/or in-kind contributions.

Avila Beach Bird Sanctuary:The Avila Beach Community Foundation is pleased to serve as a fiscal agent for the Avila Beach Bird Sanctuary. Donations to the Bird Sanctuary are tax-deductible, and funds are held in a special account that is used to support and promote Bird Sanctuary activities. For more information, click on this link

Donations to any of the above mentioned special project funds are fully tax deductible. Checks can be written to the Avila Beach Community Foundation, and should include a notation that earmarks to which fund(s) the donation is directed. For more information call (805) 595-4095.

Download this form for more information on how to Create Your Own Donor Advised Fund: